Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India on 4-5 December 2025, marking his first trip to New Delhi after the Ukraine war began in 2022.
Despite global tensions, India remains a strong ally of Russia and Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave Putin a warm welcome, even breaking protocol for the Russian delegation.
During the visit, Putin met President Droupadi Murmu and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Several agreements were signed, covering trade, economy, culture and more. The visit aimed to strengthen India-Russia strategic and economic ties amid a cooling of India’s relations with the US.
The Russia-India relationship, rooted in the Cold War, saw India align with the Soviet Union while the US favoured Pakistan. Russia vetoed resolutions supporting India on issues like Kashmir, and India abstained from condemning Soviet actions. This pattern continued with India's neutral stance on Ukraine. Over time, Russia remained India’s top arms supplier, though dependence has decreased. Russian arms deliveries dropped from 72% (2010-14) to 36% today, as India increasingly turns to Western suppliers.
PM Modi and Putin shared a long-standing relationship dating back to 2001, when Modi visited Russia as Gujarat’s Chief Minister alongwith PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Putin’s visit to India is significant, marking 25 years of India-Russia strategic partnership, which began during his first year as president. Since 2000, the two countries have held annual summits, alternating between Moscow and New Delhi.
The summit tradition was disrupted in 2022 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and an ICC warrant against Putin, delaying visits by both leaders. The annual summit resumed in 2024 with Modi visiting Russia, and now Putin returns the gesture. Putin’s flight, which landed in Delhi in the evening, became the world’s most tracked flight, according to Flight Radar 24.
US media have portrayed Putin’s visit to New Delhi as a critical test of India’s foreign policy, with Modi balancing ties with Moscow amid pressure from Washington. The Washington Post called it a “delicate diplomatic challenge,” noting India is reducing Russian oil imports under US and European sanctions. The New York Times highlighted Modi personally receiving Putin as a gesture of “strong personal rapport,” underscoring India’s effort to maintain strategic autonomy while deepening ties with both Russia and the US.
Chinese state media emphasised Putin’s comments that both India and China are Russia’s “closest friends,” while stressing that Moscow would not interfere in New Delhi’s affairs.
Meanwhile, Britain’s High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron along with the ambassadors of France and Germany, sparked controversy by holding Russia responsible for the Ukraine war. In a joint editorial ahead of Putin’s visit, they condemned Russia’s “unprovoked war of aggression” and alleged war crimes. Former Foreign Secretary of India Kanwal Sibal called it a breach of diplomatic norms, describing it as an “insult to India” that interfered in its internal affairs and sought to question the country’s close ties with Russia.
India is crucial for the Kremlin due to its huge population and status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, making it a key market for Russian goods, particularly oil. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India’s imports of Russian crude have surged dramatically, helping Moscow offset the impact of Western sanctions, though this has drawn disapproval from Washington.
Beyond energy, India remains an important customer for Russian weapons, including advanced fighter jets and air defence systems, and a source of skilled labor amid domestic shortages. Strategically, Russia uses its strong ties with India to demonstrate that Western attempts to isolate it have failed. Its “special and privileged strategic partnership” with India, alongside a “no limits partnership” with China, reinforces Moscow’s vision of a multipolar world and contrasts sharply with its strained relations with the EU.
Modi breaks protocol, receives Putin at Palam airport
Shortly after Putin arrived in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi surprised the Russian leader by personally receiving him at the Palam airport, a gesture the Kremlin described as “warm and unexpected.”
Moscow officials said they had not been informed in advance, making the moment stand out even more. The Kremlin noted that Modi’s decision to greet Putin at the aircraft ramp underscored the warmth and symbolic strength of the relationship between the two leaders.
PM Modi broke formal protocol to personally receive Putin, greeting him with a warm hug before the two travelled together in the same car to the Prime Minister’s residence for a private dinner.
Soon after Putin’s arrival, PM Modi posted on X, expressing his pleasure at welcoming his “friend” and his anticipation for their talks. “Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India. Looking forward to our interactions this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is time-tested and has greatly benefitted our people,” he wrote.
Lok Kalyan Marg was illuminated with India-Russia flags and special lighting as Modi welcomed Putin to his residence for a private dinner. During the meeting, Modi presented Putin with a Russian edition of the Bhagavad Gita, describing the sacred text as a source of inspiration for people around the world.
Sharing the moment on X, Modi posted a photograph of the exchange and wrote, “Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world.”
Goyal meets Reshetnikov to strengthen economic ties
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held a “productive” meeting with Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, focusing on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation across key sectors.
The two leaders discussed expanding partnerships in food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles, and other emerging areas of mutual interest. Both sides reiterated their commitment to unlocking untapped opportunities and deepening economic ties between India and Russia.
Sharing details of the meeting on X, Goyal wrote, “Held a productive meeting with Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development, Russia. We discussed cooperation in areas like food & agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles, and more. Together, we are committed to unlocking the untapped potential and advancing the economic development of both our nations.”
Putin gets ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Putin received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi greeted him with a tri-services Guard of Honour. After the national anthems of both countries were played, Putin inspected the Guard of Honour as senior Indian leaders, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Delhi LG V.K. Saxena, and CDS Gen. Anil Chauhan, looked on. The two sides then introduced their respective delegations, which included Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov from the Russian side.
Later, Putin visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, laying a wreath at the memorial. As bhajans such as Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram and Vaishnava Jana To played softly in the background, he observed a brief moment of reflection before signing the visitors’ book.
In his message in the visitors’ book, Putin described Mahatma Gandhi as “a great humanist” whose ideals of peace, justice, and non-violence continue to inspire the world. He noted that Gandhi’s vision of a fairer and more harmonious multipolar world aligns closely with the shared values and long-standing partnership between India and Russia.
India-Russia Summit reaffirms military, economic, and cultural ties
Putin held talks with Modi at the 23rd Russia-India Summit at Hyderabad House, agreeing to diversify bilateral economic ties amid US pressure on India to reconsider its longstanding partnership with Russia. The annual summit comes at a crucial moment as the US pushes for a Ukraine peace deal, testing India’s efforts to balance relations with Moscow and Washington while the conflict continues.
1) During the summit, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. A joint statement highlighted the long-standing relationship, “characterised by mutual trust, respect for each other’s core national interests and strategic convergence.” They assessed cooperation across political, strategic, military, trade, investment, energy, science and technology, nuclear, space, education, cultural, and humanitarian areas, agreeing to unlock the full potential of the partnership.
2) On trade, the leaders committed to expanding bilateral commerce sustainably, boosting industrial cooperation, promoting technology and investment partnerships, and pursuing agreements such as the Free Trade Agreement on goods with the Eurasian Economic Union. They also agreed to address tariff and non-tariff barriers, improve logistics, and ensure smooth financial transactions to achieve a bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030.
3) Energy and civil nuclear cooperation featured prominently. Putin stated, “Russia has a reliable supply of oil, gas, coal and everything that is required for the development of India's energy. We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast-growing Indian economy.” He also highlighted the Kudankulam nuclear project in Tamil Nadu: “We’re conducting a flagship project to build the largest Indian nuclear power plant. Two out of six reactor units have already been connected to the energy network, and four are still under construction.”
4) Transport and connectivity initiatives, including the International North-South Transport Corridor, Chennai-Vladivostok maritime route, and Northern Sea Route, were prioritised. Military and military-technical cooperation remains a pillar of the partnership, with both sides encouraging joint manufacturing of defence components under the Make-in-India programme, along with continued INDRA joint military exercises and defence technology exchanges.
5) The leaders also reaffirmed commitments to cultural cooperation, tourism, and visa facilitation. PM Modi announced, “We will soon be starting a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens. Manpower mobility will create new opportunities for the people of both countries. We will be working together on vocational education, skilling, and training.” He emphasised that the initiative aims to strengthen people-to-people ties and boost tourism between India and Russia.
6) Additionally, the two sides reiterated their joint efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, transnational crime, money laundering, and illicit drug trafficking, underscoring the comprehensive and strategic nature of the India-Russia partnership.
7) India and Russia reaffirmed strong cooperation on regional and international issues, including joint counter-terrorism efforts and the need for urgent humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Both sides emphasised peace and stability in the Middle East, with a focus on the Iran nuclear issue and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On climate change, India and Russia pledged to strengthen bilateral efforts, welcoming the launch of their Joint Working Group on low-carbon development and committing to the Paris Agreement's goals. They also emphasised ongoing cooperation in G20, BRICS, and SCO to address climate challenges.
Modi reiterates India’s peace stance at Summit
At the 23rd India-Russia Summit at Hyderabad House, Modi reaffirmed India’s stance on the Ukraine conflict. “India is not neutral, India has a position, and that position is for peace,” he told Putin, adding, “We support every effort for peace, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with every initiative taken for peace.”
New Delhi’s simultaneous engagement with Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington positions it as one of the few global actors capable of sustaining dialogue with all sides. While red carpets and military honours signalled India’s continuing strategic ties with Russia, Modi reiterated that “war cannot solve problems,” reflecting his consistent call for diplomacy since the outbreak of hostilities in 2022.
Putin acknowledged India’s role, stating, “We had the opportunity… to speak in detail about what is happening on the Ukrainian track… toward a possible peaceful settlement of this crisis.” He also noted plans to expand cooperation with India in high technologies, aviation, space, AI, and military-technical areas.
In July 2024, Modi visited Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, focusing on energy security and defence preparedness, his first trip to Russia since the conflict began. Putin acknowledged India’s role, stating, “We had the opportunity… to speak in detail about what is happening on the Ukrainian track… toward a possible peaceful settlement of this crisis.” He also noted plans to expand cooperation with India in high technologies, aviation, space, AI, and military-technical areas.
Six weeks later, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Kyiv. During the visit, he handed over BHISHM trauma-care medical units, signed agreements on agriculture, healthcare, and culture, and told Zelenskyy, “If I can personally contribute to this [peace process], I would like to do so.”
India’s energy relationship with Russia has also grown. With Europe reducing dependence on Russian oil, India became a major buyer of discounted crude, raising bilateral trade to $68.7 billion, while Moscow has signalled ambitions to reach $100 billion by 2030. While Western governments have criticised India’s refusal to condemn Russia, officials stress that Delhi’s approach is guided by security, geography, and strategic necessity. Russia remains a principal defence supplier, and maintaining a balanced relationship ensures India can counter China’s growing influence while preserving strategic autonomy.
Warmth on display at India-Russia state dinner
Putin received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan as he arrived for a state banquet hosted in his honour by President Murmu. Welcoming him, President Murmu highlighted the significance of the visit, noting that India and Russia are marking 25 years of their Strategic Partnership, established during President Putin’s 2000 visit and elevated to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” in 2010.
As part of the formal reception, Modi presented President Putin with a range of exotic gifts, including fine Assam black tea, an ornate silver tea set, a silver horse, a marble chess set, Kashmiri saffron, and a Russian edition of the ‘Srimad Bhagavad Gita’.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was among the guests invited to the Presidential banquet. Congress sources noted that no invitations were extended to party president Mallikarjun Kharge or MP Rahul Gandhi.
Commenting on President Putin’s visit, Tharoor emphasised the enduring importance of India-Russia ties. He highlighted Russia’s long-standing support, from energy cooperation to defence equipment that played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor. Tharoor stressed that India’s relationship with Moscow stands on its own merits and does not interfere with New Delhi’s ties with the US or China.
Reaffirming India’s approach to foreign policy, he added that the country maintains strategic autonomy and cultivates independent relationships with multiple global powers. “India has always upheld sovereign autonomy,” he said. “Our ability to choose our partnerships and define our national interests is part of who we are as a nation.”
Inside Putin’s high-security travel protocols
Having led Russia for over 25 years, Putin has become one of the world’s most heavily guarded leaders. His security includes elite bodyguards, a personal car dubbed a “fortress on wheels”, and the Il-96-300PU “Flying Kremlin”, Russia’s equivalent of Air Force One, which blends luxury with advanced countermeasures, reinforced armour, and a medical unit.
Putin also uses diversionary planes and prefers his 22-car “ghost train”, equipped with bulletproof compartments, a gym, a salon, and medical facilities. On the ground, he travels in his Aurus Senat limousine, capable of withstanding armour-piercing bullets and grenade attacks; he once gave PM Modi a ride in it and gifted one to North Korea’s Kim Jong-un.
He is protected by elite Federal Protective Service bodyguards, or “Musketeers”, chosen for skill and stamina and equipped with shielded briefcases and pistols. While rumors of body doubles exist, Putin has consistently rejected them, relying on his trusted security team.
Another layer of Putin’s extreme travel security involves his personal chefs and food tasters. All meals are prepared by his own chefs, while a bodyguard samples the food beforehand. A Kremlin chef noted, “Wherever the leader is, we are there, whether it’s a business trip, vacation, or private ceremony.” Chefs avoid using hotel kitchens, replacing all local ingredients with Kremlin-approved supplies that are pre-checked for safety, ensuring every meal meets strict security standards.
In addition to his bodyguards and personal chef, Putin employs a unique security measure: his waste is collected during foreign trips and flown back to Russia to prevent foreign governments from monitoring his health. Dubbed the “poop suitcase”, the practice was first reported by ‘Paris Match’ and later confirmed by ‘The Independent’. It has been noted during trips to France in 2017, Saudi Arabia in 2019, and even Alaska in 2017 when he met President Trump. Former BBC journalist Farida Rustamova also reported that Putin sometimes uses a private bathroom or portable toilet while traveling abroad.
